7 holiday movie screenings to catch the Christmas spirit
The weather outside may be frightful, but at theaters and venues around town, screenings of delightful holiday movies fit for the whole family will make your days merry and bright this season.
White Christmas
Dec. 14, 15 & 17 This beloved 1954 holiday musical, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a duo intent upon saving a struggling Vermont inn, brings music and mirth to select Century theaters for this special big-screen run in honor of its 60th anniversary. Times and prices vary. Century theaters in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Rocklin and Elk Grove. cinemark.com
Miracle on 34th Street
Dec. 18 The newly restored historic State Theatre in Auburn hosts a screening of this Christmas classic starring Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood and centering on a jolly department store Santa Claus (Edmund Gwenn) who claims to be the real Saint Nick. $6. 7 p.m. State Theatre. 985 Lincoln Way. Auburn. 530-885-0156. livefromauburn.com
It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec. 21 & 24 Frank Capra’s touching 1946 film follows despondent small-town banker George Bailey (James Stewart), whose angel-in-training, Clarence, is sent to earth to help George realize how many people he has positively impacted in his lifetime and how different his town would be had he never been born. Times and prices vary. Century theaters in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Rocklin and Elk Grove. cinemark.com
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dec. 21 The Muppets retell Charles Dickens’ tale of a bitter miser named Ebenezer Scrooge (played in this adaptation by Michael Caine) as he undergoes a miraculous character transformation at Christmastime. Prior to the screenings, youngsters can visit with Santa and spread Yuletide cheer to the less fortunate by donating to a food and toy drive at the Crest. $7.50-$9.50. 2 p.m. Crest Theatre. 1013 K St. 476-3356. crestsacramento.com
Home Alone
Dec. 21 Macaulay Culkin stars in this holiday comedy as Kevin McCallister, a spirited young boy who is at first excited about being mistakenly left behind by his family when they fly to Paris for a Christmas vacation, only to learn that two burglars are planning to rob their home. Free. 3 p.m. State Theatre. 985 Lincoln Way. Auburn. 530-885-0156. livefromauburn.com
A Christmas Story
Dec. 23 All that 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants from Santa is a Red Ryder BB gun, and this classic comedy chronicles his family’s holiday antics and mishaps in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Prior to the screening, a costume contest will take place to see who in the audience most closely resembles characters from the film. $7.50-$9.50. 7:30 p.m. Crest Theatre. 1013 K St. 476-3356. crestsacramento.com
The Sound of Music
Dec. 26 The Crocker Art Museum will be alive with the sound of this iconic Oscar-winning musical at its annual sing-along presentation. Audience members can raise their voices as they watch the tale of a young Austrian nun (Julie Andrews) who leaves her convent to become a governess for the seven mischievous children of a naval officer. $12 ($10 for youth). Crocker Art Museum. 216 O St. 808-7000. crockerartmuseum.org
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